In 2019, Covid-19 halted the events industry. After years of struggle and bankruptcy, the industry has finally returned to normal.
There are currently new tensions in Hong Kong, China, California, Ohio, the UK, France and Germany. Australian virologist Laura Herero reports that “we see it everywhere in Australia.”
What is it, how dangerous is it and what does it mean for the event?
How dangerous is new stocks?
New Covid-19 variants (NB.1.8.1) have been identified in several regions, including China, the US, the UK and Europe. It is reportedly a major coronavirus strain in China and Hong Kong. The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated it as a “monitored variant” due to its rapid spread.
Experts suggest that new strains may be more contagious than previous strains. Subhash Verma, professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Nevada, told CBS News that NB.1.8.1 is associated with “symptoms that are almost similar to those seen in early strains of the virus.”
She added that although not fatal, tension appears to be more contagious. “The data show that NB.1.8.1 does not lead to more serious illness compared to previous variants, but it appears to have growth benefits,” Verma says. “In other words, it’s easier to communicate.”
What effect does Nb.1.8.1 have?
Amy Edwards, an assistant professor of pediatrics at the medical school at Case Western Reserve University (specializing in infectious diseases), said there is evidence that the variant binds more closely to human cells. She told CBS:
“What they see in China, Hong Kong and some other regions where this variant is really surged is the rise in hospitalizations, but it appears to have something to do with the standard summer surge we’ve seen,” she said, however, the data remains rudimentary.
What does this mean for the event?
One of the most concerning factors for event organizers is increased contagion. This creates the problem of large gatherings.
So far, the US and Australian governments have issued responses. Other major states, such as the UK, Germany, and France, have not issued official statements. Here’s what Australia and the US said:
Australia
The new Covid variant is becoming dominant in Australia.
Lara Herero, a virologist at Griffith University, told ABC: “The new stocks are currently the dominant strains of the coronavirus in China and Hong Kong, and we see them almost everywhere in Australia.”
Griffith University estimates that NB.1.8.1 accounts for more than 40% of Victoria’s COVID-19 cases, approximately 25% in Western Australia and New South Wales, and approximately 20% in Queensland.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler encouraged “elder Australians” to “get that booster” jab.
US
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) acknowledges the presence of the US NB.1.8.1 variant, which was detected primarily during airport screenings. The variant has not yet met the threshold for inclusion in the CDC’s variant estimation dashboard, but the agency reports that it is in regular contact with international partners regarding spreads.
What should the organizer do?
Hopefully, the risk is minimal and we hope that the government will not be forced to enact strict measures. However, planning in case mild protection measures are in place is not harmful. PPE, hand sanitizers, and medical advice are some of the factors to consider.
But ultimately, there’s not much that organizers can do except for planning and preparation while waiting for details to appear. Worriedly, Australia’s Dr Herero said, “As the virus mutates, it’s a bit more despicable and better to avoid immune responses and antibodies.”
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